as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions
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Recent Examples of detonate
The foundation later posted a photo of the fragments of the explosive device and claimed, without providing evidence, that it was detonated by Hamas militants.
—
CBS News, 5 July 2025
Video from an overwatch drone shows the charge is detonated and the entire span destroyed.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For instance, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Iraqi forces placed explosive charges on Kuwaiti oil wells and began detonating them in January 1991.
—Skip York, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonate
CBS News, 5 July 2025
Video from an overwatch drone shows the charge is detonated and the entire span destroyed.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For instance, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Iraqi forces placed explosive charges on Kuwaiti oil wells and began detonating them in January 1991.
—Skip York, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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During World War II, the company created field rations for the armed services, and Chef Boyardee exploded to a company with $20 million in annual revenue (over $320 million in today’s money).—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
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Earlier this week, excitement exploded online after an announcement suggested that staking $100,000 in TON for three years, plus a one-time $35,000 processing fee, would grant applicants a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Some of the clips have also already begun to go viral including one of Chase’s gazelle-like movement and another of Hill blowing by Smith-Njigba in coverage.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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The beverage industry has truly popped its lid on transformation over the last decade, moving from a space dominated by legacy players like Coca-Cola and Pepsi to one where new entrants are reshaping what consumers’ taste buds expect from their thirst-quenchers.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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This uptick helps explain why monthly sales of the pouches more than tripled between 2021 and 2024, even as usage in adults remains low—under 3% report ever popping one in, though that number is higher among folks who currently smoke (11%) or once did (7%).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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